Mayor Elorza to Induct Three Community Leaders into MLK Hall of Fame

Mayor Jorge O. Elorza today announced that Oasis International Founder and Executive Director Muraina “Morris” Akinfalorin, Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program (UCAP) Director and Founder Rob DeBlois, and NAACP Providence Branch President Jim Vincent will be honored at the 14th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Hall of Fame Awards. The induction ceremony will take place in the City Council Chambers at Providence City Hall on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 5:30pm.

“It brings me great joy to celebrate the commitment of those who carry on the powerful legacy of justice, equality, and service of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Mayor Elorza. “I invite residents from across the city to join us to commemorate the impactful work of Dr. King and honor Muraina Akinfalorin, Rob DeBlois and Jim Vincent for all that they have done for our communities.”

The MLK Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who carry on the legacy of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. within the community. Inductees have made substantial contributions to acceptance, social justice, civil rights and equality in the City of Providence.

Muraina “Morris” Akinfalorin is the founder and volunteer executive director of Oasis International. The local organization serves low-income neighborhoods and stewards African immigrants in professional development, cultural activities, economic literacy, and civic engagement.

Rob DeBlois is the founder and director of the Urban Collaborative Accelerated Program (UCAP), a school in the city helping students who are at risk of dropping out of school to achieve the skills necessary to succeed in school and in life.

Jim Vincent has been a dedicated community servant for over 25 years, not only for Providence, but for the entire state of Rhode Island. He sits on a variety of boards, is President of the Providence Branch NAACP, and hosts the Jim Vincent Television show.

The celebration is sponsored by the Providence Human Relations Commission and will be hosted by past inductee and current Human Relations Commissioner Chace Baptista. Performances by the Eastern Medicine Singers and Joe Wilson Jr., as well as remarks from Mayor Elorza and Council President Luis Aponte are scheduled for the event that is free and open to the public.